Work placements give York Computer Science students a competitive edge

Date Added: 16th July 2013

A three-week corporate placement is providing some of our undergraduate students with a competitive advantage in the job market – and proving valuable to businesses too.

All our second year undergraduate students have the chance to take up a three-week placement with software and digital sector employers as part of their degree course.

The corporate practice placement provides a win-win situation for all involved - students are able to enhance their employability, while employers gain access to outstanding students.

Dr Antony Powell, from YorkMetrics, one of the companies taking part in the scheme, said: “Corporate experience placements enabled us to tackle some small novel projects and identify new talent to join our team. It's an ideal way for us to help students gain valuable skills and experience, while delivering real benefits to our business."

Dr Paul Gibson, from PureNet Solutions Limited, said: “The Department of Computer Science corporate placement scheme was a very positive experience for us. The student who worked with us proved to be an asset to the company for the short time they were here and we believe this also reflected the high standard expected of all the students on the course.”

For students, the placements provide invaluable real world experience and the chance to collaborate with experts.

Undergraduate Computer Science student Christopher King said: “The corporate practice scheme allows real experience in the work place and is a great way to test the skills you have acquired over your course in a safe and relaxed environment.

"I thoroughly enjoyed my placement, as the staff created a great atmosphere that encouraged questions and praised the inquisitive. It was a mini-internship that while short, provided me with a wealth of experiences.”

Fellow undergraduate Mihaela Maior added: “I gained lots of experience which contributed to me getting a summer internship, created new contacts with people in this area and also gained a lot of confidence after seeing the effects of my work in a real life project.”

The University’s Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Business and Community, Professor Colin Mellors, said: “We’re committed to ensuring that our students graduate with the skills they’ll need to succeed in today’s challenging knowledge-based economy. The fact that so many leading employers continue to support work placements demonstrates the value they place on our graduates.”